Category: Golf Tours

Golf Re-opens in Scotland

To the delight of many golfer’s around Scotland, golf clubs across the country are re-opening today. The golf clubs have been preparing for the new ‘normal’ and looking forward to welcoming their members back. With some beautiful weather forecast over the weekend and the next few days, we are sure everyone will be buzzing to be back out on the course. In this blog, we look back at a lovely golfing memory from one of our clients last year and hope many more clients experience these fantastic times in the near future! To all you golfers out there – stay safe and may your 1st tee shot be as sweet as a nut!

Back on course

At long last, we’ve reached the day, 29th May 2020 when golf re-opens across Scotland in some form. All golf clubs and courses have been closed around the country due to the terrible pandemic that has swept across the world. For some, their golf bags haven’t had the chance to see daylight yet. For many others, the pandemic has put a halt to any golfing goals or indeed bucket list golf trips. It saddens us that we will not be welcoming many of our clients to Scotland this year, as we had hoped. However, we are pleased that many have been able to re-scheduled for next year and we are very much looking forward to that time.

Memory from ‘The Home of Golf’

Although golf tours for international visitors will be scarce this year we have a few words from one of the golfers who travelled with us last year that we would like to share. We are sure it will whet the appetite of any golf fanatic and rekindle the desire to venture to golf’s ‘Mecca’ to play some of the incredible courses we have to offer.

A gentleman named Jorge who was a partner in a pharmaceuticals company in Brazil, decided it was time to pursue a lifelong dream. He wished to visit Scotland to play the ‘Home of Golf’ The Old Course, St Andrews. A keen golfer, he decided that long hours were dictating his life and it was time for him to enjoy the things that meant the most to him in life. Thus, he took a break to tick off one of the items on his dream bucket list, to play golf in Scotland! Jorge contacted us to tell us what he was looking to do and to see if it was at all possible. After many chats, we created a tour that catered to Jorge’s needs, and playing golf at The Old Course… Fairways Scotland made that happen and here is a poignant reflection that we received from Jorge at Christmas.

“The dust has finally settled… its Christmas Eve and I am enjoying family time and, finally, some time off… as the year comes to an end and I sit here enjoying friends, family and a good glass of wine I have time to reflect on the year and the amazing experiences I had.

I can only send a big fat THANK YOU because you and your team helped out in fulfilling a life experience in my golf agenda. People, like myself, sometimes get too caught up in work. However, I try to reflect and appreciate… I truly do appreciate your support and services during my vacation, specially that you went out of your way to play with me @standrews”

Jorge spent the week in St Andrews, enjoying the history of the grey ‘toun’, the local hospitality and walking the same fairways as the greatest golfers of all time have at The Old Course. Jorge was also spoilt with some fantastic Scottish weather and enjoyed a round at the nearby stunning Kingsbarns Golf Links. Like a kid at Christmas doesn’t do justice to his reaction when stepping on the 1st tee at The Old Course with the R&A Clubhouse behind him…… A smile that lasted all 18 holes and beyond 🙂

Looking ahead

After all we have experienced over the past few weeks during this pandemic, our lives will never be the same again. Some have found a new fresh outlook on life. We have taken stock on what the important things are in life and living for the present. 2021 will be here before we know it and those bucket list courses such as Royal Troon, Muirfield, Carnoustie etc will be available for all to play again. Arranging these trips as far in advance as possible are immensely important. Co-ordination of every detail can be tough, so leave it to the professionals and drop us a note to see how we can help and who knows…. you could be Jorge next year!!

Muirfield

Always ranked among the top golf courses in Scotland, Muirfield is a must play for golfers visiting Scotland. We are pleased to offer Stay and Play Packages for 2020, staying at the luxury Greywalls Hotel, set alongside the famous Championship Course which has hosted The Open an amazing 16 times. Only a few times left so you will need to be quick!….

Stay and play packages 2020

East Lothian ‘Scotland’s Golf Coast’ is famed for its exceptional golf courses. Many have played host to some marquee events on both Professional and Amateur circuits. But with every first-class golfing experience, there has to be a first class accommodation experience and that’s what The Greywalls Hotel offers in abundance. There are still a few Muirfield times remaining for 2020 through stay and play packages at Greywall’s this year.

Rooms are available for double, twin or single occupancy depending on your group requirements. Packages can be provided based on groups of 2, 4, 6 or 8 golfers staying. In addition, if you wish to extend your stay and enjoy more time around Scotland, we are happy to assist with plans and can book further accommodation, golf, transport & activities.

Remaining Dates for Muirfield

Greywalls Hotel

Greywalls is a magnificent Edwardian style country house that was built in 1901. Still to this day, the house holds its style and elegance across its 23 en suite bedrooms as it did when it opened over 100 years ago. Greywalls boasts fantastic views across Muirfield’s 9th and 18th greens. Guests can also enjoy views as far as the eye can see across the Firth of Forth to Fife from many of its rooms. It has its own walled gardens to enjoy some relaxing walks as well as its own tennis courts and croquet lawns. Plenty to do when away from the links. No Country House would be complete without some wonderful culinary delights and Greywalls is no exception. Breakfasts, afternoon teas, events and dinners all within the award winning Chez Roux restaurant overseen by Michelin star chef Michael Roux Jnr.

Muirfield, Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers

Tuesdays and Thursdays are visitor days where golfers can play Muirfield. In the morning it as a normal fourball format then in the afternoon golfers have the option to play an additional round in foursomes format. During visitor days you will play in a mix of tee positions with a portion of the course being from the forward tees, some holes from the middle and many from the championship tees. A real incredible test of golf for golfers of all levels.

After your round you may wish to partake in the famous Muirfield Lunch within the clubhouse. Jacket and tie is required to gain access to the dining room but upon entry you will be met by a carvery and a plethora of food fit for a king……some golfers have been known to indulge so much they can’t make their afternoon round.

Book Today!

With over 10 courses in less than a 5 mile radius, Greywalls is a wonderful base for golfers looking for that tranquil, relaxing country house feel coupled with world class golf. If this is something that appeals to you then please contact us through our enquiry form and we can provide you with available dates to play Muirfield during the 2020 season.

Happy golfing……

Golf, Whisky and…..Ness Walk!

Now that the festive season has passed it is now time to get planning for those trips away. Here at Fairways Scotland we have an ideal package for those looking for golf, whisky and luxury in the highlands…

Luxury Highland Golf Tour

The highlands of Scotland is a magical place with some stunning scenery, historical attractions, amazing golf and that’s before you take into account the fantastic restaurants and hotels on offer. One such hotel is the new luxurious Ness Walk Hotel opened in 2019 and the sister hotel to the 4 star Kingsmills Hotel; a firm favourite and well established hotel in the city of Inverness.

Ness Walk Hotel, Inverness

Hence the name Ness Walk, the hotel sits up on the banks of the beautiful river Ness. A 19th Century house the hotel now restored to its full glory, offers a relaxing retreat for those guests looking for an exceptional experience in the highlands. Ness Walk boasts 47 spacious en suite bedrooms with décor that replicates the surrounding views and countryside; giving a feel of the outdoors, indoors. The rooms are a mix of Laurel & Cedar Rooms and Rowan and Wellingtonia Suites; rooms to meet any requirements. Ness Walk has added another wonderful dynamic to accommodation experiences in the highlands.

Ness Walk is in ideal location for a short walk into the shops and attractions in Inverness City Centre and also only a 10 minute drive from the world famous Loch Ness……

No 5-star hotel would be complete without first class dining experiences. Breakfasts, lunches, afternoon teas, dinner and private dining are all options for you to enjoy when staying at the hotel. All food is locally sourced and meticulously created by the award-winning chefs. In addition, the hotel has its own Wine, Whisky, Cocktail Bar named the ‘Torrish’ which is the name of a Fly that local fisherman use to catch Salmon on the river. An impressive selection of wines and whiskies are available here making the Torrish an ideal place to relax and let your hair down.

Ness Walk Tour Package

Arrive in Inverness and check into Ness Walk. Have a spot of lunch in the hotel restaurant before making your way to Nairn Golf Club for your afternoon round.___________

DAY 2

Take a trip to Dornoch, which is around a 50-minute journey from Ness Walk to play one of the most well know Scottish Courses around the world, The Championship Course at Royal Dornoch. Upon returning to Inverness you have your evening at leisure.___________

DAY 3

Why not experience Scotland’s greatest exports, Malt Whisky? This morning your driver will collect you and travel into Speyside. Visit a couple of distilleries to sample some malts, before finishing the day with a tour around the new state of the art Macallan Distillery Visitor Centre, an incredible piece of engineering. Enjoy the first class interactive experience of how whisky is made at Macallan before trying the liquid gold.___________

DAY 4

Take a short journey to play the Scottish Open venue of Castle Stuart Golf Links and enjoy some of the most picturesque views in golf. After some lunch you will then make your way to Loch Ness to enjoy a guided tour of the Loch and Urquhart Castle. Make sure your camera is charged as the views are breath-taking as the sun goes down. ___________

DAY 5

Check out of Ness Walk and depart home. Or extend your trip to other fantastic destinations around Scotland. ___________

Book Today

Edgehill House

Here at Fairways Scotland, we like to offer our clients wonderful golfing experiences in Scotland which are unique to them. Edgehill House certainly ticks all those boxes for a golfing party looking for that extra special something for their golfing trip to Scotland!

Golfer’s paradise on ‘Scotland’s Golf Coast’

Edgehill House, is a recently redeveloped property by award-wining designers, available for private rental. Set within its own terraced gardens and located alongside the 1st fairway of Gullane Golf Club’s No.1 Course it truly is a golfer’s paradise in ‘Scotland’s Golf Coast’.

Edgehill House – property details

The stunning 4 story house boasts 7 luxury bedrooms. They can either be set as double or twin rooms depending on the requirements of your group. 2 of the bedrooms feature balconies. Along with the 7 bedrooms Edgehill House has 5 immaculate bathrooms; including a huge master bathroom which definitely has the wow factor!!

There is also an elegant dining room and two beautiful large lounge areas. Perfect for your group to relax together in the evening.

On the lowest floor in Edgehill House, there is a gym and your very own cinema room; if you wish to take a break from golfing. There is also a bar & wine cellar which you can keep stocked to save you going back upstairs to the kitchen 🙂

Or perhaps you
would rather relax in your 15m private pool, with doors opening out onto the
patio and garden area. Located beside the pool there is also a steam room,
showers and separate WC.

Walking through Edgehill House you will also find some incredible memorabilia from the golfing world to film and American politics. We thoroughly recommend taking your time to look around this fantastic property.

Food & dining at Edgehill House

Edgehill House is completely self-catering therefore there is a top of the range, fully fitted kitchen with all the essentials. However, we can arrange for your group to have your very own private chef; from a cooked breakfast in the morning to providing all meals throughout your stay. In addition, we can arrange for specialists from local gin or whisky distilleries to provide private tastings – perfect for a celebration 🙂

Alternatively if your group wish to dine out, Edgehill House is close to renowned restaurants and pubs. Including La Potinière, British restaurant owned by award winning chefs and Tom Kitchen’s newly opened Bonnie Badger.

Perfect for both golfers & non-golfers

As the house is located at Gullane Golf Club, there are 3 wonderful courses right on your doorstep – Gullane No. 1, Gullane No.2 & Gullane No.3. However, there are also an abundant of top golf courses within 15 miles of Edgehill House including North Berwick, Archerfield and Muirfield to name a few!

For those that don’t golf, Scotland’s magnificent capital Edinburgh is only 20 miles away from Edgehill House. Therefore, any non-golfers in your group can spend some time in Edinburgh and explore the sights of the city! Pamper treatments in the house or spa days at Fletcher’s cottage spa at Archerfield can also be arranged for both the non-golfers and golfers in the group 🙂

Want to stay at Edgehill House?

Edgehill certainly provides everything you need and more for your group trip to Scotland! For an example of the type of tour we can offer you please have a look at our Edgehill House Golf Tour Package. Alternatively, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss options with you and put together a customised tour package staying at the stunning Edgehill House.

2019 Solheim Cup Packages

With only 4 months to go until The 2019 Solheim Cup at Gleneagles, we only have a few remaining packages. Please contact us today to book now!

The Solheim Cup 2019, Gleneagles

Experience the highest level in Women’s Golf in Scotland this year. The 16th edition of The Solheim Cup will take place at Gleneagles from 9th to 15th September 2019 and will be battled out over the PGA Centenary Course. Want to be there? Check out our remaining 2019 Solheim Cup Packages still available…

Attend The Solheim Cup 2019

For further details on each package please visit our 2019 Solheim Cup Package page. Alternatively contact us directly to speak with our Team and we will be delighted to assist with your your travel plans or answer any questions you may have.

#ItAllLeadsToThisMoment

Trump International Aberdeen

Trump International Aberdeen is one of the most spectacular courses and now is your chance to play it with one of our stay and play packages at the stunning 5 star MacLeod House and Lodge.

Stay and play packages – October 2019

Trump International Aberdeen is one of the latest courses to open in Scotland in 2012. Designed by the respected Dr Martin Hawtree, Trump International Links is certainly one of the most visually impressive golf courses. Standing on every tee you feel like pulling out your camera to take a snap! The par 72, plays out to almost 7500 yards off the championship tees. Each hole takes you through a series of elevations from teeing areas into deep fairways. In addition, many holes are surrounded by the towering sand dunes stretching along the North Sea coastline. Without a doubt, Trump International Aberdeen is one of the most spectacular courses and now is your chance to play it with one of our stay and play packages at the stunning 5 star MacLeod House and Lodge.

MacLeod House & Lodge, is set within the stunning Trump
International Estate. Along with the magnificent Trump International golf
course on site, there are many other fantastic courses within 15 miles
including Cruden Bay, Royal Aberdeen and Murcar Links. The luxurious Scottish
mansion contains beautifully appointed guestrooms, dining facilities and an
intimate bar. The whisky snug and traditional log fires throughout are also
ideal for those colder Scottish nights! MacLeod House offers golfers true
luxury within a stunning, peaceful setting.

Along with your round at Trump International Aberdeen you will also have the opportunity to play some other fantastic golf courses, previously mentioned, in the Aberdeen area.

All airport and golf transfers by an executive Mercedes Vito are also included.

Prices stated above are for travel in October 2019. If you wish to stay at another time please contact us for more details and prices.

If you also wish to extend your stay in Scotland and play
more of the wonderful courses on offer please let us know and we will be happy
to discuss all tour options with you.

2020 Golf Trip

With the new golfing season well under way, many people are talking about playing various golfing destinations in Scotland. In order to play these illustrious and historical golf courses on everyone’s bucket list we recommend planning for your 2020 golf trip to Scotland now.

Plan your 2020 Golf trip today with Fairways Scotland

Tens of thousands of golfers look to play these top golf courses in Scotland year on year; and with so limited tee times available, it is important to plan your 2020 golf trip to Scotland well in advance. Anywhere from 12-24 months out in some instances, to ensure you can play those courses you have always dreamed of playing.

Were going to give you a brief insight into the booking parameters for each of the Open Championship venues in Scotland, past and present to provide food for thought when planning your Scottish Golf Trip with us in 2020 or even, 2021.

Prestwick Old Course, Ayrshire

Prestwick Old Course, The Birthplace of the 1st Open Championship in 1860. Today is still classed as a wonderful test of links golf. Visitors are allowed to play this famous links weekday mornings and afternoons. Play between 8am and 9am is limited to 2-ball play. 4-ball play is however allowed during this time if playing as part of the Prestwick Experience Package. In addition to a round of golf at the club the experience also includes a 3-course lunch (excluding drinks) in the Dining Room.

No play is allowed before 10:15am on Thursdays and no visitors are allowed on Saturdays. However, there are limited tee times available on Sundays. Handicap limits also apply with a requirement of 24 for men and 28 for ladies.

Royal Troon Golf Club, Championship Course, Ayrshire

Located on the west coast close to Prestwick, Royal Troon has played host to The Open Championship 9 times. Most recently in 2016 when Henrik Stenson won. Royal Troon allow visitor play from mid April, through early October on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Furthermore the tee times on these days are allocated between 9:00am and 10:30am and 2:30 and 4pm. Handicap limits also apply here with a requirement of 20 for gents and 30 for ladies.

As you can see with these limited times, planning your trip well in advance is very important. Therefore, if you wish to play Royal Troon as part of your golf trip in 2020, we recommend securing your tee times as early as possible.

Trump Turnberry, Ailsa Course, Ayrshire

The Ailsa Course has hosted The Open Championship on 4 occasions. Most famously featuring Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus in the ‘Duel in the Sun’. There are no restrictions in play days here for visitors. However residents of the hotel do receive a favourable discount on their green fees.

With advanced reservations available we find that tee times are snapped up very quickly by hotel residents and corporate outings, so yet again tee time requests must be done well in advance.

Carnoustie Golf Links, Angus

Carnoustie Golf Links is one of the most famous courses in the world. Known for its 9 Open Championships but also how tough this links course can play. Visitors are allowed to play here 7 days a week, however there are a number of local golf clubs as well as the hotel that have access to tee times for their own members/guests. Therefore times can be hard to come by if you are not prepared. Handicap limits of 24 for men and 36 for ladies are also enforced here.

There seems to be an ever increasing demand to play at Carnoustie, especially after the most recent Open here in 2018. Therefore once again to guarantee your tee time for your 2020 golf trip, advanced booking is essential.

Muirfield, East Lothian

An incredible test of golf located 30 minutes from Scotland’s Capital, Edinburgh. Muirfield is consistently ranked as one of the worlds greatest courses and has hosted The Open Championship 16 times. Visitors have access to play here every Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Play is 4-balls between 8:50am and 9:50am playing from a 2 tee start of the 1st and 10th. There are also times available on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons to play an additional round but this must be played under Foursome (alternate shot) format. Strict handicap restrictions also apply of 18 for ladies and gents.

Muirfield are already taking bookings for 2020 and some days over the busy summer months are nearly booked out already. Therefore, if Muirfield is on your list for your 2020 golf trip, we suggest booking now!

Also check out our Golf Coast Swing package which features great golf in East Lothian including Muirfield.

The Old Course, St Andrews

Having hosted The Open 29 times, it is without a doubt the most famous of all Open Championship venues, if not courses in the world. Hundreds of thousands of people apply to play here on a yearly basis. The Old Course is open for play Monday to Saturday and is closed every Sunday. Similar to Carnoustie, the links has a number of clubs who use the course for competitions for members and guests. Therefore tee times are limited. There are a number of ways to play The Old Course. These include; an advanced application process through Fairways Scotland, guaranteed tee time packages & entering into the ballot made 48 hours prior to play. We have full information on of all of these processes. Please click here for further details.

The Old Course has handicap requirements of 24 for gents and 36 for ladies and like all the other Championship venues, handicap certificates must also be shown at time of check in.

Fairways Scotland will have access to guaranteed Old Course packages for 2020 soon, therefore please contact us today if you wish to play The Old Course as part of your golf tour next year.

Contact us today

We hope this blog has given you an insight into what’s involved to secure tee times at these venues. Fairways Scotland can assist to make this all happen for you in a memorable 2020 golf trip. Contact us today to start planning….

Top 5 Golf Tour picks for 2019

Scotland provides an amazing amount of different options to choose from when it comes to organising a golf tour in Scotland. However here are our top 5 picks for 2019 to help you get started….

Accommodation

The Old Course Hotel

The Old Course Hotel, St Andrews is one of the most famous hotels in the world amongst golfers. Due to this, it is one of most popular hotels to stay at during a golf trip to Scotland. Located alongside the iconic ‘Road Hole’ 17th, the hotel boasts spectacular views across the links towards the beach and the ‘Auld Grey Toun’. This 5 star hotel has over 140 rooms, 35 of which are suites, many of which overlook The Old Course. Whether you are looking for fine dining in the Road Hole Restaurant or casual pub grub in The jigger Inn, the hotel can cater for all. In addition private dining can be arranged for that extra special occasion.

A favourite pass time for many is to enjoy a beverage at the Road Hole Bar watching golfers pass below them. Located on the top level, there is also a large outside decking area to enjoy those summer sunsets.

Away from the golf, guests can enjoy The Kohler Waters Spa, the first of its kind out with the USA. A whole host of treatments are available along with the use of pool, sauna and steam room facilities. The hotel is only a 5-minute walk from the centre of town. It is also just a 5-minute walk from The St Andrews Links driving range for those looking to work on their golf game. The Old Course Hotel is consistently ranked amongst the top leisure resorts in the country. It is a must stay if you are looking for luxury throughout your 2019 golf trip to St Andrews.

Edgehill House, Gullane

Edgehill House is a new property that has become available as a private let property. Therefore we are very excited to offer this to golfers planning a 2019 golf trip. The house is located in East Lothian and is set alongside the 1st fairway of the No.1 Course at Gullane. This stunning house boasts 7 luxury bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, cinema room and a swimming pool. A home from home, ideal for those larger groups or families. Edgehill House also offers the opportunity for you to have your own private chef to create a memorable dinner experience for your group. Alternatively, if you would prefer, specialists from local gin or whisky distilleries can provide private tastings.

Edgehill House is only a few minutes travel from the famous Muirfield and North Berwick Links. The city of Edinburgh is also just a 30min journey away. Edgehill House is the perfect property for those looking for something extra special for that once in a lifetime golf trip – our top pic for exclusive venue this year!!

Golf

Scotscraig Golf Club

Located 12 miles from St Andrews, Scotscraig is the 13th oldest golf club in the world. The club was founded by members of the St Andrews Society of Golfers; later to become the Royal and Ancient Golf Club. Justin Rose was awarded honorary membership in July last year, 23 years on from when he tried to win his way through final qualifying for the 1995 St Andrews Open as a 14-year-old.

For your 2019 golf trip we would particularly recommend the Scotscraig Experience. The experience offers golfer’s a full day package, playing the championship course, learning the history of the club and indulging in some Scottish cuisine. The day starts with a meet & greet at the clubhouse by an ambassador from the club. Coffee, breakfast or soup & sandwiches are provided depending on arrival time. Golfer’s then enjoy a tour of the 120-year clubhouse followed by a course preview. There is then some time to warm up with teaching staff before heading out onto the course.

After the round, a traditional three-course Scottish meal is served featuring specifically selected local produce. A fantastic day is then finished with a whisky or gin tasting! – a perfect day for any golfer visiting Fife and amazing value for money!

Cruden Bay Golf Club

Cruden Bay Golf is located in Scotland’s North East approximately 30 minutes north of Aberdeen. Designed in 1899 by Tom Morris of St Andrews this traditional links course requires ability, creativity and imagination. Cruden Bay has a mixture of long demanding holes, picturesque par 3’s and a few short quirky par 4’s. As well as a few blind shots thrown in for good measures. It’s one of the few courses that you’ll likely play where you will use every club in your bag. Cruden Bay also has a 9-hole layout, the St Olaf Course, which is complimentary for any golfer playing the main course. A great experience for those up there for the day playing 27 holes and enjoying some wonderful food in the clubhouse.

Cruden Bay is consistently ranked amongst the top 100 courses in the world. It is a must play for any golfer visiting the northeast and one of our top picks for a 2019 golf trip. Check out our Northern Links Tour which features Cruden Bay.

Transportation

E-City Chauffeur

So you have an itinerary packed with great golf and staying in some wonderful accommodation. Now how do you navigate your way throughout the tour? Why not try something totally unique and new to the industry with a chauffeur driven experience in a luxury Tesla electric car. Whether its point to point transfers, full driver services throughout your tour or an excursion for the day, you will enjoy travelling in style with zero emissions. Your Fairways Scotland representative will welcome you on arrival accompanied by your E-City Chauffeur to see you on your way.

Contact us

Make your Golf Trip to Scotland extra special this year. Contact us for more information and to start planning your 2019 golf trip!

Solheim Cup 2019….Year to go!

With only 1 year to go until the 2019 Solheim Cup at Gleneagles we are officially in countdown mode! #itallleadstothismoment

Year to Go Celebrations

The Year to Go celebrations were kicked off on Monday 6th August at Catriona Matthew’s home town of North Berwick. The European Solheim Cup Captain hosted a chipping clinic and a Q&A session at North Berwick Golf Club. Afterwards there was a walking Trophy Tour of North Berwick.

The following day saw Catriona visiting Gleneagles to officially open The Solheim Cup Short Course. Catriona hit the first tee shot on the par 3 pitch & putt course.

Over the subsequent weeks, Year to Go roadshow events were held across Scotland in Glasgow, Dundee, Edinburgh & also Perth; leading up to the official ‘Year to Go Week’ this week!

The countdown is on…

This coming week marks a year until the start of the 16th Solheim Cup at Gleneagles, Scotland. It’s the first time the event has returned to Scotland since it was hosted at Loch Lomond in 2000. Europe came out on top 14.5 – 11.5 winners over their American rivals.

Since then, the women’s game has increased in stature and in popularity with huge prize funds available at tour events. As well as increased spectators at the course and through TV coverage. With European and American golfers winning Tour Events and Major Championships on both sides of the pond; the 2019 Solheim Cup at Gleneagles is teeing itself up to be one of the most fascinating matches in the history of the event.

What is the Solheim Cup?

The Solheim Cup is a biennial team event that is contested by 12 of the best players from Europe and 12 of the best players from the United States of America for the beautiful, Crystal Solheim Cup. The event alternates between each continent every event. It was first staged in 1990 at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club in Florida. It was also named after Karsten Solheim, the owner of golf club manufacturer PING, who played an integral part of creating the event. The event consists of 3 days of competition Match Play golf:

Day 1 –Friday

4 x Morning Foursomes Matches(where teams of 2 play alternate shot)

4 x Afternoon Four-Ball Matches(where teams of 2 play better ball)

Day 2 – Saturday

4 x Morning Foursomes Matches(where teams of 2 play alternate shot)

4 x Afternoon Four-Ball Matches(where teams of 2 play better ball)

Day 3 – Sunday

12 x Singles Matches

Europe requires 14.5 points over the 3 days to win The Solheim Cup

USA require 14 points to retain the trophy

The 2019 Solheim Cup Venue

Next years Solheim Cup will be held at the stunning 5 star Gleneagles Resort set in the Perthshire Hills of Scotland. The matches will be played over the PGA Centenary Course, which hosted the 2014 Ryder Cup as well as a number of European Tour events. The PGA Centenary Course was designed by golfing legend Jack Nicklaus. The PGA Centenary Course is over 7500 yards long with a variety of tee box options on each hole therefore allowing it to be adapted into an exciting course for Match Play competition.

Solheim Cup 2019 Packages

One thing is for sure the 2019 Solheim Cup is going to be a wonderful occasion in the golfing calendar and it’s still not too late to be a part of it. Why not check out some of The 2019 Solheim Cup Packages we have available on our website. Please also contact us if you have any questions or queries regarding any of our Solheim Cup packages. We look forward to seeing you there 🙂

Ladies Scottish Open 2018

The Ladies Scottish Open 2018 at Gullane Golf Club and Pro Am. Another fantastic week for tournament golf in Scotland!

Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open 2018

The Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open 2018 took place at Gullane Golf Club; just a fortnight after the gents of the European Tour and The PGA Tour participated in their own event over the same course.

The Ladies Scottish Open attracted the world’s best from The LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour. This included a number of Major winners to compete for one of the largest purses on the European circuit. It was also a chance to hone their links golf skills prior to The Ladies Open Championship; which is being held at Royal Lytham St Anne’s this week.

Stunning views from the course

The Pro-Am Gullane

We were fortunate enough to be invited along by our friends at Visit Scotland to take part in the Pro-Am on the Wednesday before the tournament to play alongside the top Pro’s and experience the best of Ladies Professional Golf….and it didn’t disappoint.

Having grown up watching elite level golf on the men’s circuit and being blown away by their ability, power and talent I didn’t quite know how that would compare on the ladies’ circuit. I arrived early to the practice area to warm up. I found myself hitting balls next to some of the most well know female golfers on the planet; Michelle Wie, Paula Creamer and Laura Davies to name but a few. The thing that struck me is the deceptive power the girls have. Also just how effective and consistent their swings are and that’s before you are given a masterclass around the chipping and putting greens.

Practice time for the ladies

Georgia Hall

We were paired with a young English Pro Georgia Hall, who is rocketing her way up the world rankings. Having secured her LPGA Tour card in 2017 she finished tied for 3rd at The Ladies Open Championship at Kingsbarns. After a string of strong tournament finishes she found herself in the European Solheim Cup team. Georgia was a fantastic person to play with! We had great fun on the course and she gave great insight into her tour life.

Georgia’s chip shot onto the green at the 4th hole

After playing 18 holes with Georgia you could she had immense confidence in her own ability and quite rightly so. She has technically one of the best golf swings I’ve seen. In addition to that she packs immense power yet has a short game to die for. In my opinion Georgia has one of those swings that will keep her on tour at the highest level for many years to come; making Solheim Cup appearances and collecting Major wins along the way.

Fairways Team with Pro, Georgia Hall

We played solid enough throughout our round posting -23 under par on the Tour team competition format. However we were blown out the water by a team headed up by a legend in the ladies’ game, Paula Creamer.

Ariya Jutanugarn…Ladies Scottish Open Champion 2018!

Playing a similar layout as the gents a couple of weeks earlier, the ladies experienced a very parched fast and firm Gullane Golf Club. The leaders found themselves at -13 after 36 holes. The wind and weather then made an appearance on round 3. Which in turn caused scores to increase and peg back the leaders to -8 in this star-studded field. Ariya found herself tied for the lead going into the final round with Korea’s Amy Yang. Just one shot clear of the chasing pack. After carding a sensational final round of -5 under 66, Ariya kept the chasing pack at bay during a wet and windy day on the links and claiming her crown as Queen of the Gullane Links.

(image credit: ladieseuropeantour.com)

Visit Scotland 2019

The Ladies Scottish Open follows suit of the men in 2019 and travels a few miles down the road to the spectacular Renaissance Club and is sure to be another fantastic event in Scotland.

If you would like to attend any of these top events next year please contact us for details